Beyond the big and tall store: all the best clothes for larger men
Not long ago, if you were a man of above-average height or weight (sometimes called extended size, plus size, or big and tall mens clothing), the only style advice you could get came from skinny “fashion” guys. These were editors and street style bloggers who assumed you just wanted to look, well, thinner.
A few common refrains from this bygone era? Avoid splashy patterns and big prints, which bring undue attention to the shape of your body. Wear dark colors because they’re slimming. And, when applicable, opt for v-necks and vertical stripes, which draw the eye down and have a slenderizing effect.
Of course, these patronizing guidelines are pretty out of step with how guys with great style are dressing now. Especially those who are too smart to get fooled into feeling shame about their bodies.
These rules were created long before the current focus on body acceptance and body positivity took hold.
Combine that movement with a fashion moment that is first and foremost about expressing individuality, and the result is a stylish generation of all shapes and sizes making their own rules about how they should dress.
Still confused about this stylish new world order? While there’s no one right way to dress, there are a few ideas that guys of different shapes should keep in mind when shopping for new clothes.
Here’s what you find in this article:
Whether you’re looking for casual clothes for big guys or the best shirts for plus size men, we’ve got you covered.
Learn how to avoid looking cookie cutter in a world where nothing is one size fits all…
Shop brands that sell extended sizes for men
The availability for big and tall mens fashion hasn’t always been great, but things are slowly changing – and while a lot of brands have a long way to go there are some great options for stylish clothes for big guys.
Thankfully, stylish retailers like ASOS and Bonobos now offer more options in extended sizes, meaning you can zero in on the places that work for you when shopping.
So until all retailers catch up to the fact that as many as 40% of men have issues with size and fit and start selling clothes in a more comprehensive range, cut yourself a break and cut out the brands and retailers you know won’t work for you.
Shopping can feel like a mental game, and you’ve gotta do everything possible to stay in a positive head space. Meaning? Don’t get yourself mad, frustrated, or sad about the state of retail when you could be getting excited about adding clothes to your closet that make you look and feel your best!
Think about proportions
There was a time when retailers stocked their big and tall sections with drapey, billowy clothing that wound up making whoever wore it look much bigger than they were.
But as more guys have come to realize that fit really is everything, clothiers have caught up and started offering more tailored options. And it’s important to remember that whether you’re a skinny guy looking for the perfect slim fit suit or a bigger guy looking for the most fashionable shirts, every guy needs to consider proportions and tailoring to look their best.
Instead of the grossly oversized items one used to find in the big and tall section, there are now sharp suits, generous coats, and everything in between. Because your size shouldn’t dictate how you express your personal style; there are plenty of great stylish options for plus size clothing for men.
Of course, if your fashion personality is more Rick Owens parachute pants than Thom Browne’s shrunken suits, you can also find clothes with intentionally larger proportions.
As long as your wardrobe makes you feel seen, not hidden, we’re all for it.
Because right now, designers realize that style is a spectrum that’s as diverse for big guys as it is for lean ones.
How to get the best fitting clothing for bigger guys
Our most important piece of advice for how to dress if you’re a big guy – or thin guy, or tall guy, or small guy? Find a tailor and woo him like you would your dream partner. Well, maybe not exactly like this but, the relationship you have with your tailor is super important and can make or break your wardrobe whether you’re shopping for the best suits for big guys or casual clothes for plus size men.
Truly, nothing will make your bod look better than clothes tailored to you. A slim fit is only great when it’s not too slim, and a little bit of drape is necessary for certain fabrics.
Thankfully, it’s not your responsibility to know which is which – all you need to do is be tight with your tailor.
Don’t have one? Ask your best-dressed bud or business colleague for a local rec.
Pay attention to fabrics
While stretch pants may be comfortable, we know they only really only look good on the people who already look good in everything.
If you’re dressing a bigger build, opt for slim straight or straight leg jeans, and definitely consider selvedge denim. Selvedge will stretch to your shape over time, giving your the most personalized – and therefore flattering – fit.
When it comes to other pant styles, lightweight fabrics will keep you cool, and, so long as they are made of a sturdy fabric, will create a straight line along your legs that will look better than one that is pulling and bunching.
Don’t be afraid of bold colors and patterns
At the end of the day, the old-fashioned plus size men’s style tips around hiding your body are out.
The adage that horizontal stripes are something big guys should avoid is as out-of-date as a handlebar mustache.
And there’s nothing stopping you from wearing a bang-on-trend floral print or an equally au courant oversized logo t-shirt.
Instead, look to modern, size-inclusive retailers that want you to wear color, stripes, prints, and patterns!
Bottom line?
You can and will look great in stripes if you like stripes! And color if you like color!
Don’t let old rules keep you from expressing your individuality and unique personal style.
Accessories are your friend
Accessories are probably the last thing on your mind when shopping, and probably even when dressing, but it’s true what they say—accessories can really make an outfit.
This is especially true if you’re shopping in bigger sizes that don’t necessarily cater to the specific style you’d like to present, accessories can be a huge help.
If you find yourself losing inspiration after hours of shopping and coming up short on interesting and stylish pieces in your size, give yourself a break and head over to the shoe department.
Or check out the watches, wallets, belts, suspenders, socks, and yes, even scarves.
Think of the foundational items you’ve found in your size and ask yourself how you can add a little of your personal style to that plain white shirt—it could be as simple as an interesting belt buckle or a brightly colored pair of socks.
The fashion world and retailers, in particular, don’t always make it easy for big guys to have a positive experience buying clothes, but you can fight that by getting creative and keeping your own taste and comfort in mind.
And remember, you don’t always have to come home with six bags of clothes, don’t be afraid to leave a store empty-handed if you’re just not feeling it. There’s always tomorrow and another shop on the horizon!
Above all, be sure to accentuate the positive in your style…you!
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Ready to turn up your style?
If, after reading these plus size men’s style tips, you’re ready to totally overhaul your wardrobe, Team SG can help!
Let us rescue you from shopping fatigue and sartorial apathy with our online personal shopping service. You’ll get dedicated attention in a 1-on-1 video call with your own personal stylist, and a style plan filled with a curated shopping list and detailed outfit inspiration.
Get ready to feel like the best, most stylish version of the awesome guy you already are! We’ll also help you figure out how to wear your new clothes with the things you already own.
If you’re ready for a shopping plan that’ll save you time, energy, and your sanity, give us a shout.
